Can calcium tablets cause weight gain?

If you’re reaching for the second slice of pizza and blaming it on your calcium supplement, this article is for you. While calcium is an essential nutrient that can contribute to a healthy body, there has been some debate around whether or not calcium tablets can lead to weight gain.

The basics: why do we need calcium?

Before we dive into the question at hand, let’s review why calcium is important in our diets. Calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, regulating muscle function and blood pressure, and aiding in nerve transmission(1). Most people get their daily dose of calcium through dairy products like milk and cheese, but supplements are also available as an option.

Understanding weight gain

Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than your body needs for energy(2)​ . Excess calories are then stored as fat within the body. While many factors come into play when considering how much someone weighs– including genetics(3) –if you take more calories than your body needs over time without expending them through exercise or other physical activity, chances are good that gaining weight will result.

Shedding light on caloric intake

When considering whether or not taking a supplement such as a calcium tablet could contribute to excess caloric consumption resulting in putting on extra pounds – keep in mind that one standard seven-ounce glass of whole milk contains approximately 150 calories(4)​ . In contrast, one scoop from most standard protein powders often used by those seeking gains at the gym have about 120cals per serving(5)!

It seems implausible that consuming fewer than two hundred calorie packed capsules would be responsible solely leading immediate increase of numbers visible atop your weighing scale ..

That being said – simply adding any new food into your diet plan could potentially bump up total calorie intake thus causing gradual slight increases via accumulation repetitive similar habits over time-(​not just calcium supplements)(6).

Weight gain versus bloating

While taking calcium tablets likely won’t lead to weight gain, there has been evidence that it can contribute to bloating. This uncomfortable symptom occurs when excess gas is retained within the digestive system leading a feeling of fullness or tightness in the stomach area(7).

Bloating felt ​can also appear above one’s hips, across the lower abdomen and well as under one’s navel The reasons for such discomfort vary from person t operson – but may include constipation, gastroenteritis or consuming too much rapid intake of fermentable lactose (milk sugar) present in the supplement beyond your body’s tolerance levels .

To help alleviate this issue, try drinking plenty of water throughout the day and making sure you’re not exceeding more than what dosage recommended without consulting beforehand (8) .

Calcium: better off through diet?

Overall getting enough calcium in through eating right will save you cost cash wise instead paying steep prices charged from branded dietary health supplements given mostly identical amounts can be found naturally occurring in dairy products like milk/cheese as already mentioned along with dark green leafy vegetables(9)! So remember those whole foods that are packed with wholesome nutrients!

Who should take caution?

While most individuals shouldn’t experience any adverse side effects when taking calcium supplements(10) , there are people who should exercise caution,. For instance if diagnosed liver ailments or gallbladder issues​​ — use must occur after consultation and dosages regulation provided by licensed medic finding correct balance appropriate therapeutic requirement / monitoring overall serum calcific concerned densities pertaining therapy supervised over extended periods​(11)​

Additionally certain medications – like some diuretics –​ could impact absorption rates influencing efficacy safety measures required supervision via physician guidance -(12)- once again clinicians’ [ professional opinions always supersedes slick marketing that over-hypes any potential miracle supplement claiming outstanding benefits.

Conclusion

While calcium tablets are unlikely to directly cause weight gain ,the digestive system could make it might uncomfortable via bloating or gastric stress. Generally speaking, the average person should be okay taking appropriate servings of calcium and adhering to a well-balanced diet. However, if you’re unsure about whether supplements are right for you – talk with your healthcare provider before starting anything new!

Of course, don’t forget that regular exercise is essential in achieving health goals gaining energy present making most out of every day​(13)​​ .

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